SELAYANG – It was no ordinary morning at Flat Sutera, Taman Desa Bakti. Hundreds of residents young and old stood beneath the sun, holding up hand-drawn placards that read, “Please Help Us!” and “We Want Redevelopment Now!” Their eyes carried a single message: they’ve waited too long for change.
Their voices echoed louder with the arrival of Local Government Development Minister YB Nga Kor Ming, accompanied by Members of Parliament, Senators, and media personnel as part of the PSB XPDC visit. His presence sparked hope hope that their cries would finally reach the ears of those with the power to transform.
But it was the grim reality on the ground that spoke volumes. “I’m not joking be careful, there’s a python in that pile of garbage,” warned Nga, pointing toward a reeking, stagnant drain overrun with filth and overgrowth. His expression said it all disbelief and dismay.
What was once a dream for affordable homeownership has decayed into a haunting symbol of neglect. With 148 units, Flat Sutera is now a moldy, crumbling relic but its residents remain, holding on with resilience.
“I’ve lived here for 39 years. The wiring is ancient, the lift hasn’t worked in ages, and the whole place is falling apart. We’re tired. We just want to live better,” said Mat Ali Sidek, one of many hoping this visit finally triggers change.
He shared that JL99 Group, the property developer behind successful renewal projects like Razak Mansion, has already engaged with the residents. A majority have signed on in support only a handful of units remain undecided due to unrelated concerns.
“If we get a 900 square-foot unit in return, that’s more than enough. We’re not asking for luxury. We just want to survive with dignity,” Mat Ali said, holding back emotion.
For another long-time resident, Ruslan Muhid, who has lived in Flat Sutera for 38 years, the place has become an eyesore. “There’s no shop, no playground, nothing for the children. It’s like a warehouse of forgotten people,” he said with sadness.
But amidst the decay, hope still flickers. The success story of Razak Mansion, once just as dilapidated, now reborn into a modern condo development led by the same JL99 Group shows what’s possible.
Flat Sutera’s future is no longer a question of possibility. It’s a matter of permission.
The developer is ready. The people are ready. The minister has come. All that’s left is action.
“Please… we’ve waited long enough.” That’s not just a plea it’s the heartbeat of an entire community desperate to rise again. -MalayaDailyToday
